The Istari of Secrecy 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

Is this a Secrecy Deck? Nope! But I tend to play both Saruman hero and as ally. How? That's a secret only the Council of the Wise know.

There are no duplicates in this deck — not because of limitation, but by design. When every card is unique, every choice becomes deliberate. And each play fuels the contract’s reward: a card, a resource, or a drop in threat. Wisdom is not power, but the freedom to use power selectively.

This deck doesn’t belong to one hero. In fact, it doesn’t always have the same lineup. Thanks to Helm of Secrecy, its identity can shift mid-game.

Early on, you may see Saruman lead the effort: strong, commanding, and prone to taking difficult decisions. But the time may come to switch him for Alatar, whose insight can stabilize the table. Later, perhaps Pallando is removed from play via Helm of Secrecy and later returned to the deck using Will of the West — only to be replaced by Radagast (Hero) for healing and nature-born support. Nothing is fixed. Not even those who lead.

And around them? A collection of the wise, the rare, the powerful:

Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf, who know too much to speak plainly.

Radagast (Ally), eccentric yet ever useful.

(MotK) Firyal, whose foresight wins more quests than any sword.

Jubayr, steadfast and sharp defender.

Chariot Racer, swift and thematic.

Luin Cultist and Variag Recluse, wild cards from the edges of knowledge.

This deck collects artifacts like a scholar hoards scrolls:

Palantir reveals paths best considered twice.

The Arkenstone, Elendilmir, Ring of Barahir, and Mithril Shirt reinforce durability and lore. Maybe even refound after being worn by a wise who was once called Saruman, the White.

Glamdring and Durin's Axe — when knowledge must be backed by steel. Dagger of Westernesse — swift, precise, and ever unexpected when subtlety gave way to steel.

Narya, Shadowfax, and Magic Ring offer the mobility and resilience befitting a wandering council.

Blue Staff, Radagast's Staff, Saruman's Staff, and Gandalf's Staff each bring focus to the role their bearer must play.

The White marks the bearer’s transformation from tool to guide.

Keys of Orthanc, and Thrór's Map, because even the wise need access and direction.

Unexpected Courage, always where needed most.

As for events — this council is built for flexibility:

Word of Command to fetch what you lack. Daeron's Runes shines here not just for draw, but for sheer tempo.

Word of Persuasion, Free to Choose, and Flame of Anor — for moments when power must bend.

The White Council and Gather Information — the hallmarks of wise intervention.

Keen as Lances, [The Galadhrim's Greeting] and Double Back for tempo and threat control.

The Wizards's Voice and Tides of Fate — when in dire need.

A Test of Will, Hasty Stroke, and Dwarven Tomb — old wisdom never fails.

East-helper, Elwing's Flight, Stand and Fight, and You Cannot Pass! — because even a council needs edge cases.

Side objectives? Indeed:

Tower of Orthanc, for influence. Whether or not it activates depends entirely on the revealed adventure — a risk that requires wisdom, not just courage.

Rods of the Five, for wizaddry unity.

This is not a deck that rushes. It waits. It watches. And when it acts — it knows why.

That’s not secrecy. That’s wisdom.